Hi everyone

Hello,
I've been lurking for about a year now and decided to join the group. I've learned much from the site the last year and wish to thank you all for your contribution.

In March of this year I purchased 8 chicks, (3 Cochins, 3 Silkies, 1 Wyandotte and 1 Plymouth Rock) all have done well but I had 3 roos that I returned to the place I bought them so they could find good homes. I live in a typical CA subdivision so I'm on the QT with my chickens. My Cochins just started laying eggs. I do have one problem. The Cochins are so noisy that I know I'm going to get busted! Are Cochins usually this noisy? Even when they are not laying eggs? I'm thinking that I will have to get rid of my girls and it breaks my heart because I just love them. But, I just can't have the noise. If I do this I was thinking about replacing the Cochins with Marans. Are they quiet?

Regarding your noise question, after three years here on BYC, I can't say that any breed is any quieter than another. My girls, supposedly quiet, calm little dears, woke up the neighborhood this morning because she apparently woke up on the wrong side of the roost.